Bring On the Magic

Thru-hikers pass through peaks and valleys literally. And they can have their share of highs and lows physically and psychically, as well. That's where "trail magic" can make a difference.

Some hikers feel the "magic" when a vista pops into view after miles of forest, or maybe it's a fawn nestled near the edge of the Trail. Maybe it's a stream crossing just repaired by volunteers or a fallen tree moved out of the way. Maybe it's supplies left with a trail center caretaker for hikers in need.

The Round Hill A.T. Festival is collecting bits of "trail magic" to share with this year's thru-hikers at Bears Den and Blackburn trail centers. If you want to contribute something, we'll be collecting items at the Round Hill Hometown Festival (May 28) and our A.T. fest on June 11.

​Here's a list of some things hikers have told us they'd appreciate:

• Candy bars and fruit snacks 
• Individual bags of potato chips, Oreos, cookies, rice crispy treats, etc.
• Packets of instant coffee and Gatorade mix
• Coconut or vitamin waters and caffeine drinks
• Batteries
• Gas canisters for jet boils
• Ramen 
• Tuna packs
• Socks
• Blister first aid
• Bags of coffee, so trail center caretakers can have it warm and ready for hikers. 

If you're an aspiring "Trail Angel" (provider of trail magic), there are other ways to help, of course:

• Leave No Trace when you hike.
• Pack out any trash you find on the Trail.
• Become a member of Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, the organization that maintains our stretch of the A.T., plus miles and miles of other trails in the area.
• Join a PATC maintenance crew or their Trail Patrol.
• Donate to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, who manages all the Trail on behalf of the National Park Service.
• Volunteer to shuttle any thru-hikers who want to come to our festival from and back to Bears Den Trail Center.

Acts of "trail magic," while always well-intentioned, can sometimes go askew. Here's a great ATC article about preserving the magic of the trail.

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